Wayne A. Seifarth

Wayne A. Seifarth, "Big Al" 74, of Robesonia, died peacefully on July 28, 2012 in The Reading Hospital and Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family, conversation, and sacred jazz music.

He was a 1955 graduate of Reading High School, a 1960 graduate of Albright College, and a 1964 graduate of Temple University. Al was a junior high school history and social studies teacher for the Conrad Weiser School District for over 35 years. He retired in 1997 but continued to substitute in the district for another 10 years. He loved teaching and the impact it made on his students. Many will also remember Al as a beloved coach where for 30 years he coached the cross country and track teams. He is remembered warmly by the many young people whose lives he touched over a long career in education.

Al was passionately involved in music and helped create Music in the Schools Jazz Program, a program designed to introduce jazz to junior high school students. He was the recipient of the Frank Scott Award, presented by the Berks County Arts Council for outstanding contribution to jazz in Berks County. He enjoyed playing the flute and performed with Ken Gehret for over 10 years. Al often said that playing with Ken was the highlight of his performing career. He was a former Vice President of the Reading Pops Board of Directors and President of the PSEA. He also worked with BCTV; co-hosting the show Bridging The Generation Gap.

Always on the go, "Big Al" was a man about town. He was found frequently at the former club The Jazz Bass, lunching with the ROMEO Club (Retired Old Men Eating Out), or listening to tunes at the CD Exchange. He will be truly missed by the many dear friends that he so highly valued throughout the community.

Born in West Reading, he was a son of the late John Wayne and Grace Ruth (Frankhouser) Seifarth. He was the husband of Dorothy J. (Arndt) Seifarth, a resident at ManorCare. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his two children: Amy D. Seifarth, wife of Aaron J. Smee, Ephrata and Timothy A. Seifarth, fiance of Katrina Kloepfer, Adamstown. Also surviving are his brother, John M., husband of Lou Jean Seifarth, Sewickley. He was a loving "Pop Pop" to his little grandsons; Milo, Cypress and Ezra. Al was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Robesonia.

The viewing will be held on Tuesday, July 31, 2012 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., 739 Penn Avenue, West Reading. The funeral service will be Wednesday, August 1, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 108 South Robeson Street, Robesonia. Entombment will be in the Pleasant View Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Reading Musical Foundation, P.O. Box 14835, Reading, PA 19612-4835. Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhome.com.